MAY 2025 | 75 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE OBA The board tabled consideration of a proposal to create a relevant subsection under the Law Office Management and Technology Section. AWARDS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO RENAME OBA TRAILBLAZER AWARD The board passed a motion to approve renaming the award as the Yvonne Kauger Trailblazer Award. LICENSED LEGAL INTERNSHIP COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED RULES CHANGES The board passed a motion to approve the recommended changes related to updating language in the rules describing the Board of Bar Examiners as well as certain requirements pertaining to character and fitness. REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE SESSION Legislative Liaison Clay Taylor briefed the board on the first months of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature’s first regular session, including upcoming legislative deadlines and the advancement of certain legislation that proposes to eliminate the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission, alter its composition or impose changes to who may serve as a judge or justice in Oklahoma. PRESIDENT WILLIAMS’ APPOINTMENTS The board approved a motion to approve the following appointments: Clients’ Security Fund: President Williams reappoints Chairperson Micheal Salem, Norman, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. He reappoints Vice Chairperson Peggy Stockwell, Norman, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. He appoints Bradley J. Brown, Tulsa, as a member, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. President Williams also made the following appointments that did not require board approval: Legal Ethics Advisory Panel (LEAP): President Williams reappoints Chairperson Steven K. Balman, Tulsa, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. To the Oklahoma City panel, he reappoints Susan Bussey, Norman; Paige Masters, Edmond; and Rex Travis, Oklahoma City, to terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. To the Tulsa panel, he reappoints Leonard Pataki, Tulsa, and Mbilike Mwafulirwal, Tulsa, to terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Investment Committee: President Williams appoints Richard D. White Jr., Tulsa, as a member, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Solo and Small Firm Conference Planning Committee: President Williams reappoints Chairperson Elaine Dowling, Oklahoma City, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. He appoints Vice Chairperson Laurie Jane Phillips, Tulsa, with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. UPCOMING OBA AND COUNTY BAR EVENTS – 2025 President Williams reviewed upcoming bar-related events and activities involving the Board of Governors, including OBA Day at the Capitol scheduled for March 25 in Oklahoma City, a joint reception with the Tulsa County Bar Association scheduled for April 18 in Tulsa, the New Attorney Admission Ceremony scheduled for April 29 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and the statewide celebration of Law Day on May 1. NEXT BOARD MEETING The Board of Governors met in April, and a summary of those actions will be published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal once the minutes are approved. The next board meeting will be held virtually on Friday, May 16.
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